Flintridge Family Chiropractic

Welcome To Wellness

2012-01-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

Check out my most recent post on the website 13degreez.com!

http://13degreez.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/welcome-to-wellness-guest-post-by-dr-rion/

Chronic Back Pain Shrinks your Brain!

2011-11-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

According to a study by Dr. A. Vania Apkarian of Northwestern University in Chicago, chronic back pain causes parts of the brain to shrink! The area of the brain that their research has uncovered to shrink is the Gray Matter. This is the part of your brain that contains the "active thinking cells" that are involved in the processing of information and memory. This part of the brain makes up the largest portion of the brain. The study revealed that not only was there less volume in the brains of chronic back pain sufferers, but the gray matter was less dense as well. In addition, Dr. Apkarian reported to Reuters Health that the changes were particularly noticeable in parts of the gray matter that are known to be important in making "emotional assessments,'" including decision making and control of everyday social behavior.

This raises a whole new set of concerns about back pain. It is not the back pain that we are concerned about, it's what is causing the back pain and the consequence of not addressing the underlying problem that worries doctors. The most common cause of back pain in science today is called the vertebral subluxation complex. Subluxations interfere with the proper function of our nervous system and may lead to devastating effects on our health and well-being if left uncorrected.

Many people feel that they can just live with the pain. Most times the pain comes and goes or is mild in nature and the individual puts off care because "it's not that bad." This "living with the pain" may be the biggest mistake they make in their life. The pain may not be that bad, but the long term health concerns are. This mild chronic back pain may actually lead to permanent neurological problems.

Should I get the Flu Shot?

2011-09-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Experts question the evidence that the flu shot is effective

There is continued evidence that we should question the benefit of a flu shot. More and more, the drug companies that manufacture the flu shot are pushing the use of flu shots. They want every man, woman and child to receive their product. At Eastern Illinois University, every student pays for a flu shot in their tuition; then the University looks like the "good guy" by offering "Free Flu Shots" for the students. Recently, I am hearing of doctors who recommend flu shots for infants. These babies are already receiving numerous vaccines in their first year of life and there is mounting concern over the cumulative effect of multiple vaccines. Adding another vaccine just increases the risk of potential serious complications.

In the March/April 2002 issue of Midwest Nurse Week, a journal for the nursing profession, an article on an influenza (flu) outbreak was published. They reported that an outbreak of influenza was hitting urban areas of Nebraska. This was not surprising since it was during the flu season. The disturbing news is that nearly all of the residents received the flu shot prior to the outbreak. One resident even died as a result of complications. Are flu shots ineffective?

We may ask ourselves, how effective is this flu shot? Experts have already asked themselves this question. Dr. J. Anthony Morris, former chief Vaccine Control Officer of the US Food and Drug Administration stated, "There is no evidence that any influenza vaccine (flu shot) thus far developed is effective in preventing or mitigating any attack of influenza. The producers of the vaccine know that they are worthless, but they go on selling them anyway."

Chiropractic is the best "shot." Wellness chiropractic care has been demonstrated to boost the immune system, making chiropractic the healthy choice if you wish to protect yourself this flu season. Have your nervous system checked to determine if chiropractic might help you.

Chiropractic Meaning of Life

2011-07-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

There is a distinct Chiropractic view of health: that health is much more than just how you feel, it’s how you function and express yourself. Health is a state in which your body can express 100% of your human potential, 100% of your human spirit, and where your cells, tissues, organs, and systems are functioning 100%, 100% of the time.

There is an inborn intelligence in all living things that naturally gives us our instincts and information to survive, thrive, and adapt in this ever-changing world. It’s the expression of this inborn intelligence through our nerve system that allows our body to perform at 100%. This is the Chiropractic meaning of life.

Your life is an expression of this intelligence through your body. The quality of your life is indeed directly proportional to the ability of your nervous system to express this intelligence through your body without interference to this process.

How well is your nervous system performing? Wellness Chiropractic removes interference and disturbances in the nervous system, allowing you to express yourself to your fullest potential.

Wellness Chiropractic has always been and always will be about restoring health and wellness to the body, not treating back and neck pain. Wellness Chiropractic is a lifestyle that creates well-being, improves your quality of living, and improves your performance at every level.

Have your family checked for nerve interference today!

The Effect of Add-On Yogic Prana Energization Technique on Healing of Fresh Fractures

2011-06-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Randomized control study shows exciting data:
A recent article in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine reported on a study that documented the positive effects of Yoga Prana Energization Technique (YPET) on the healing of fresh fractures.
Bone fractures represent a global medical challenge for health care administrators, orthopedic care providers and patients alike, as millions of people across the world are afflicted by these injuries annually. In fact, of the estimated 6.2 million fractures occurring annually in the United States, between 5% and 10% exhibit either delayed healing or non-union. Even those fractures that heal ideally without complications can take months to heal.
Thirty patients, 22 men and 8 women, between the ages of 18 and 55 with simple fractures of long and short bones were selected and randomized into yoga and control groups. Both groups received the conventional plaster of paris immobilization of the fracture site as the primary treatment. The yoga group, in addition, practiced YPET twice a day (30 minutes/day) for two weeks using taped audio instructions after learning under supervision for one week. YPET is an advanced yoga relaxation practice that involves breath regulation, chanting, and visualization, which according to yogic science revitalizes the tissues by activating the subtle energies (prana) within the body..
Both groups were assessed on the 1st day and the 21st day by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, tenderness, swelling, fracture line density and the bridging of cortices. The yoga group, when compared to the control group showed better pain reduction, reduced tenderness and swelling, increased fracture line density and the number of cortices were significantly better. This is just one study, but the role of add-on yoga-
based YPET and its beneficial effects on the fracture healing merit further investigation.

Flintridge Family Chiropractic Commercial

2011-06-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy

2011-04-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Chiropractic care in pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby in pregnancy and birth.

For the mother

Prepare the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating a state of balance in pelvic bony structures, muscles and ligaments.

Removes tension on the ligaments that support the uterus thus reducing the torsion(intrauterine constraint) to the woman's uterus.

Allows for safer easier birth for the mother decreasing the potential for intervention

For the infant

Allows the baby the room to develop without restrictions to its forming cranium, spine and other skeletal structures.

Removes interferences to the mother's nerve system allowing for better baby development.

Offers the baby the room to move into the best possible position for birth.

With proper fetal positioning, there is a significant decrease in dystocia and the resulting birth trauma caused by intervention.

For more info on chiropractic for expectant moms and children check out this very comprehensive site, it's awesome!

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

Let Your Feet be Feet!

2011-03-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

2011-03-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Case study illustrates promising results
Improvement in a Child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Undergoing Chiropractic Care

(3/2011, La Cañada Flintridge). A recent article in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health reported on a three-year old boy diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) who underwent chiropractic care over the course of 5 months.
Following the introduction of chiropractic care and lifestyle changes, this child experienced an improvement in his quality of life. Los Angeles-based Dr.Rion Zimmerman, D.C., who regularly monitors health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, was not surprised by these findings. “Studies of a similar nature have been conducted previously with similar outcomes,” said Dr. Zimmerman, “but more research into the role of chiropractic and lifestyle changes are called for in this population of children.”
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is an Autism Spectrum Disorder that is a developmental condition with no known etiology. Parent’s usually become suspicious of their child’s behavior around 18 months of age when regression of certain behaviors and actions begin. The diagnosis is based upon behavior including impairments in social interaction skills, communication skills, and repetitive or restrictive behavior and/or interests. Also noted are a lack of meaningful language skills, empathic abilities and motor skills. Nearly 50% of children with autism never develop communicative speech and therefore become easily distressed with normal everyday life occurrences and activities.
In this study, a three-year old male presented at a chiropractic office seeking chiropractic care. He was diagnosed with PDD by a developmental pediatrician and had communication problems which became noticeable at 15 months of age, as well as apraxia, and speech delay.
The patient received chiropractic care over the course of 5 months. The care consisted of chiropractic adjustments, balancing exercises, foot taping and dietary modifications. The outcomes were measured by re-assessments, parental evaluation and health care provider and teacher reports.“The child began making friends, became more interactive, less defiant and was reported to be an overall happier child following the introduction of chiropractic care.” said Dr. Zimmerman.
After the first reassessment the patient’s other health care providers told the mother that he was doing much better since starting chiropractic care. By the next reassessment his other health care providers reported consistent improvement. By the final reassessment the patient had continued to respond well to the chiropractic care. He had just recently started going to school again and the teacher remarked that she saw much growth in his abilities.
“This is just one study,” explained Dr. Zimmerman, “but chiropractic care has been previously demonstrated to have a positive response in Autism Spectrum Disorders, so further research and investigation is merited.”
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Zimmerman, whose office is located at 1039 Foothill Blvd Suite A, La Cañada CA, USA (telephone 818-952-0172).

Chiropractic Cuts Blood Pressure

2011-02-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

March 16, 2007 -- A special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure, a placebo-controlled study suggests.

"This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," study leader George Bakris, MD, tells WebMD. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems," adds Bakris, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.

Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent a sham chiropractic adjustment. Because patients can't feel the technique, they were unable to tell which group they were in.

X-rays showed that the procedure realigned the Atlas vertebra -- the doughnut-like bone at the very top of the spine -- with the spine in the treated patients, but not in the sham-treated patients.

Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).

None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.

"When the statistician brought me the data, I actually didn't believe it. It was way too good to be true," Bakris says. "The statistician said, 'I don't even believe it.' But we checked for everything, and there it was."

Bakris and colleagues report their findings in the advance online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.

March 16, 2007 -- A special chiropractic adjustment can significantly lower high blood pressure, a placebo-controlled study suggests.

"This procedure has the effect of not one, but two blood-pressure medications given in combination," study leader George Bakris, MD, tells WebMD. "And it seems to be adverse-event free. We saw no side effects and no problems," adds Bakris, director of the University of Chicago hypertension center.

Eight weeks after undergoing the procedure, 25 patients with early-stage high blood pressure had significantly lower blood pressure than 25 similar patients who underwent a sham chiropractic adjustment. Because patients can't feel the technique, they were unable to tell which group they were in.

X-rays showed that the procedure realigned the Atlas vertebra -- the doughnut-like bone at the very top of the spine -- with the spine in the treated patients, but not in the sham-treated patients.

Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).

None of the patients took blood pressure medicine during the eight-week study.

"When the statistician brought me the data, I actually didn't believe it. It was way too good to be true," Bakris says. "The statistician said, 'I don't even believe it.' But we checked for everything, and there it was."

Bakris and colleagues report their findings in the advance online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension.

SOURCES: Bakris, G. Journal of Human Hypertension, advance online publication, March 2, 2007. Grassi, G. Journal of Human Hypertension, advance online publication, January 25, 2007.George Bakris, MD, director, hypertension center, University of Chicago. Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC, Chiropractic Health Center, Chicago.
© 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
"Copyright ©2009, WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved"

Certified Webster Technique

2011-02-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

Webster Technique Defined
Sacral misalignment causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Dr. Zimmerman is certified in the Webster Technique, and currently sees as many as one hundred cases a year from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Chiropractic for Jiu Jitsu

2011-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

World Champion Orlando Sanchez gives testimonial for Dr. Zimmerman and Flintridge Family Chiropractic

Chiropractic 4 Kids!

2010-11-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Why Chiropractic for kids?

An easy answer to this question is provided by Dr. Joel Marley DC,
“It’s easier to raise healthy children than to fix broken adults,” however
there is more to it. A child just like an adult is exposed to stress as
well, something as simple as growing can be the reason for chiropractic.
Chiropractic can also help with

1. Better sleep patterns

2. Enhanced immune system function

3. Better moods and behaviors

The best part about Chiropractic for children is that it is gentle,
safe and natural. Chiropractors only use their hands, there are no needles
involved, no pharmaceuticals and no surgical devices. Your family chiropractor is
also well trained in lifestyle habits, and dietary recommendations that will
help you and your child live a more wellness based lifestyle.

I see patients just a few hours old because even the birthing process can be traumatic. These early adjustments get their nervous system working properly which will begin their lifetime journey towards preventative wellness.

"Chiropractic care for children offers your family a solid foundation for wellness. Throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood, the chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being."
Jeanne Ohm, D.C. President ICPA

Importance of Chiropractic before Athletic Events

2010-10-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

According to a study published in Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation by Lauro A and Mouch B in 1991, athletes exhibited a 30% improvement in performance after 12 weeks of chiropractic treatment. They were tested on several aspects of athletic ability including kinesthetic perception, power, reaction time, agility and balance. Those who did not receive chiropractic treatment showed only a 1% increase in performance after 6 weeks of treatment, while those who received the chiropractic treatments showed an 18% increase in performance after 6 weeks.

Many professional athletes also undergo treatments before, during and after a game. According to PracticalChiro.com, athletes including Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Barry Bonds all receive treatments from sports chiropractors so that they can improve their performance and recover properly throughout training and game season. (Source: PracticalChiro.com) Professional sports teams such as Los Angeles Galaxy, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and multiple UFC fighters also receive the benefits from chiropractic care.

Young athletes - not only professionals or Olympians – can also benefit from chiropractic treatment because this type of therapy enhances blood flow, improves range of motion and can also increase recovery rates after intensive training or a game. Full range of motion is particularly important for endurance athletes and those who must employ various types of stretches into their training routine.

http://www.locateadoc.com/articles/chiropractic-treatment-benefits-for-athletes

La Canada Chiropractor

2010-09-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

As a chiropractor, I thought what better topic to write about than back pain. Rather than describe symptoms, diagnoses and treatments, I would like to start with prevention. In my clinic we see many acute and chronic cases of back pain, however the education in my office relies heavily on having a proactive approach to health rather than a reactive one. So instead of waiting for an accident or injury to occur and then reacting, it is best to constantly educate yourself on your health and physically prepare your body for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Based on the majority of cases I see, here are a few tips. However, do not accept these as the only ways to prevent an injury. I encourage you, as I do all my patients, to become experts in your body and to lead a natural, healthy, proactive life.

Lift with your Legs. You have probably heard this a million times but the biomechanical evidence shows that if you lift and bend at the waist then extend or straighten up, this changes the body’s center of gravity and more importantly the alignment of the spine. This forces the spine, which is weaker than the combined muscle groups of the legs, to support the weight of the upper body and the weight of the load being lifted. Ouch! Instead, face the object you’re picking up straight on, bend at the knees, without the knees going in front of your toes, keep the back extended (straight), lift slowly and please use caution when it comes to the weight of an object.

Maintain a Healthy Posture. Many people feel that it is one sudden accident that causes an injury; unfortunately often times the spine is predisposed to an injury due to accumulated physical stresses placed on it day after day from bad posture. Whether you are sitting at your desk, standing or sleeping it is extremely important to be conscious and aware of the position of your spine. The most basic way to correct your posture is in a standing position arms at your side – visualize an imaginary line going straight down from your ear, through your shoulder, through your hip, knee and ankle. Better posture has many benefits in addition to preventing back pain and I will elaborate on this in future articles.

Maintain a Healthy Weight.This topic continues to be a major area of conversation in my office on a day-to-day basis. An easy equation I like to give my patients is that every pound you are overweight in your abdomen is close to ten extra pounds of weight on your spine. So, if you feel you’ve got five extra pounds in the abdomen, that’s fifty extra pounds on your spine. Find an exercise you enjoy, do it once or twice a week, walk two to three times a week and eat healthy, organic food that comes from mother nature.

As I stated in the beginning, these are just a few tips for being proactive in your quest for an optimal healthy lifestyle.

Yours in health,

Dr. Z

Breech Babies: What Can I do if my babies Breech?

2010-08-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

Expecting Mothers and Their Families

Throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood, the chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being. Dr. Zimmerman has completed numerous post-graduate courses in chiropractic techniques applicable to both children and adults.

The Webster technique is a gentle hands on technique that helps to correct sacral misalignment, balance pelvic muscles and relax ligaments, which in turn, removes torsion to the woman's uterus. This results in less constraint to the baby, and allows the baby to turn and get into the best possible position for birth.

The mother's spine and pelvis undergoes many changes and adaptations to compensate for the growing baby and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased. Specific chiropractic care throughout pregnancy is drug-free option that works by enhancing nervous system function and providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby.

Parents who understand the importance chiropractic care and its significance on overall health and well being insist on bringing in their whole family in for care.

Call our office for your complimentary consultation and to find out how to optimize your body's natural healing potential.

Natural Relief for Medical Problems

2010-08-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Our office provides both chiropractic and rehabilitation services for all ages, including infants, adolescents, pre and post-mothers. Come see us for any of the following:

* Consultations
* Examinations
* X-Rays
* Chiropractic Adjustments
* Therapeutic and Conditioning Exercises

HEAD/NECK CONDITIONS

* Neck Pain
* Whiplash
* Migraines
* TMJ

SHOULDER CONDITIONS

* Rotator Cuff Injuries
* Adhesive Capsulitis
* Tendonitis

UPPER EXTREMITIES

* Golfer’s Elbow
* Tennis Elbow
* Tendonitis
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

LOWER EXTREMITIES

* Arthritis
* Sciatica
* Hip and knee disorders
* Compartment Syndrome
* Shin Splints

LOWER BACK CONDITIONS

* Lower Back Pain
* Any Disc Injuries
* Spinal Stenosis

We gladly accept all forms of insurance. Our helpful staff can call the insurance company for you to see if chiropractic is included in your particular plan. We can also do the billing for you so there is less money out of your pocket. If you don't have insurance coverage for chiropractic services, you’ll be happy to know that we have affordable plans to fit your individual needs.

Dr. Z's Bio

2010-08-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Dr. Rion Zimmerman

Expertise In...

Dr. Zimmerman is trained, certified, and practices in the following disciplines:

Chiropractic Doctor: Gonstead, Diversified, SOT, Cranial-Sacral, Webster technique
Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Therapy
Instructor and Trainer- Health, nutrition, exercise

Professional Overview...

Dr. Zimmerman is an excited and motivated Chiropractor specializing in preventative hands on care with extensive knowledge related to athletes and nutrition. Dr. Zimmerman has been a patient of chiropractic since the age of eight, which continues to give him the drive to provide chiropractic care for individuals of all ages. He has excellent communication and cross-cultural skills that assist with education both in and out of his practice.

Educational History...

Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Whittier California (2002-2005)
Graduated as Doctor of Chiropractic in 2005. Highly trained in biomechanical analysis, orthopedic and neurological assessment, anatomy, physiology, x-ray analysis and interpretation, nutrition and a broad range of physical therapeutic techniques.
University of California Irvine, Political Science, BA (1998-2001)
An emphasis in public law, and four-year internship in the sports medicine facility as an athletic trainer.